Nairobi, Kenya - The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) convened a crucial meeting on May 31, 2024, to address pressing issues related to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Stakeholders from various sectors gathered to discuss waste management, recycling, and environmental stewardship.
EPR: A Pathway to Sustainability
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that holds manufacturers and producers accountable for their products from cradle to grave. It emphasizes sustainable design, responsible disposal, and recycling. At the heart of EPR lies collaboration among stakeholders, including manufacturers, producer responsibility organizations (PROs), distributors, waste facilities, and state authorities. National Environment Management Agency (NEMA) had issued a 60-day notice to all producers in Kenya regarding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance.
The meeting, held at The Boma Hotel in Nairobi, brought together key stakeholders, including producers, brands, and waste handlers, to discuss crucial aspects of EPR implementation.
Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities
1. Manufacturers and Producers: These industry players must design eco-friendly products, collect end-of-life items, and sort them for proper treatment.
2. Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs): PROs act as intermediaries, coordinating collection, transportation, and disposal. Their collaboration with municipalities ensures effective EPR implementation.
3. Distributors: Distributors facilitate product distribution and play a role in collection systems.
4. Waste Facilities Companies: Responsible for waste treatment, recycling, and disposal.
5. Municipalities and State Authorities: Oversee EPR programs, enforce regulations, and provide guidance.
Key takeaways from this pivotal event:
Submission of EPR Plans
- Producers must submit their EPR plans to NEMA within the stipulated timeframe. These plans outline how they intend to manage their products' life cycle, including recycling, re-use, and safe disposal.
- NEMA will closely monitor compliance and take enforcement actions against non-compliant producers.
Public Awareness Campaigns
- The meeting emphasized the need for public awareness regarding EPR. Consumers play a vital role in supporting responsible production by making informed choices and participating in recycling efforts.
- Brands and producers are encouraged to engage with the public through educational campaigns, workshops, and community outreach.
Cost of Recycling
- The cost of recycling is a critical factor. Producers need to assess the financial implications of implementing EPR measures.
- Collaborations between producers, waste handlers, and recycling facilities can help optimize costs and create a sustainable recycling ecosystem.
Waste Composition Insights
- Kenyans generate approximately 25,000 tonnes of waste daily. Understanding waste composition is essential for effective EPR planning.
- Organic waste constitutes 60%, recyclables make up 30%, and the remaining 10% includes other materials.
Group Discussions: Waste in the River and Pricing
Three stakeholder groups were formed which tackled critical issues including:
Waste in the River and Recyclable Pricing:
- Waste Pickers' Demands: Waste pickers advocated for higher prices for recyclables.
NEMA's Conclusions:
- Inclusion of Waste Pickers: Pricing decisions must involve waste pickers.
- Consultation Gap: More inclusive consultation needed.
- Authorized Price Creation: Officers' authority to set prices questioned.
- Working Collection Schedule: Establish a practical schedule.
- Price Transparency: PROs' prices should be disclosed.
- Harmonization of Pricing: Similar products should have consistent pricing.
PROs' Strategies and Responsibilities:
KEPRO:
- Awareness Strategy: "My Waste, My Responsibility" campaign which runs for over three years.
- Pricing Factors: Weight, demand, transport, communication, surveillance, and recyclability.
- Recyclers vs. Collectors: Explained incentives for recyclers.
- Transport: From waste pickers to recycling facilities.
- Transition to Recyclable Flexibles.
PAKPRO:
- Transport Strategy: Licensed transporters and disposal points.
- Awareness: Focus on aggregation locations.
- Price Publication: Display prices at collection points.
- Training Waste Managers.
- Planned Activities: New drop-off locations and community-led collection.
NEMA's Decisions and Observations
- Non-Recyclable Wastes: PROs lack plans for non-recyclables.
- Action-Oriented Approach: PROs were urged to move from promises to action.
- Waste Picker Compensation: EPR funds not reaching waste pickers.
- Collection Points: Focus on Nairobi County, but river basin neglected.
- Clean-Up Responsibility: PROs and producers must clean river areas.
- Revised EPR: Needed for the Nairobi River basin.
- Gaps and Compliance: Bridging gaps between PROs and waste pickers.
- Insufficient Evidence: Waste pickers left empty-handed and frustrated.
NEMA's commitment to addressing these challenges will shape a greener, more responsible future. Let us all join hands in safeguarding our environment. As we move forward, let's remember that responsible production benefits us all. Together, we can create a circular economy where waste becomes a valuable resource.
Note: The information shared in this article is based on the NEMA meeting and official communication. For further details, refer to NEMA's official notice.
